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A  HRDD-BOOK 


MAR  31  1953 


Qi2ite^Brett2Kei2  Ii^  Gl^rist. 


rBEPARED   BY 


E.  L.  fenuEY,  A.  M., 


Of  Otterhein  University. 


DAYTON,  OHIO: 
United  BBEXHREy  Publishing  House. 

1885. 


Copyright,  18S5, 
By  Rev.  W.J.  Shuey. 


fref 


ace, 


AN  intelligent  understanding  of  the  character  of  the  relig- 
ious denomination  to  which  he  belongs  is  important  to 
every  Christian.  In  a  church  like  our  own,  in  which  the  mem- 
bers so  fully  direct  the  policy  and  methods,  all,  even  the 
youngest,  should  be  instructed  in  its  history  and  work,  its 
principles  and  government.  A  full  knowledge  of  our  church's 
history— its  struggles,  growth,  and  successes,  its  principles 
and  methods  of  work, — can  not  fail  tO  enlist  the  enthusiasm 
of  its  members,  and  to  make  them  more  devoted  to  its  in- 
terests. 

To  the  young  people  of  the  church  that  desire  a  knowledge 
of  its  life,  to  those  that  have  not  access  to  more  extended 
books,  to  others  that  desire  in  a  brief  space  an  outline  of  the 
work  and  history  of  the  denomination,  this  little  hand-book  is 
offered  with  the  hope  that,  in  part  at  least,  it  will  meet  their 
wants.  It  is  believed  that  such  a  compendium,  brief  enough 
to  be  read  in  a  short  time,  yet  full  enough  to  give  the  essential 
facts,  will  be  of  daily  service. 

It  is  difficult  in  such  small  space  to  present  more  than  a 
slight  outline.  No  attempt,  therefore,  has  been  made  at  ex- 
tended research,  the  incidents  of  the  history  and  the  state- 
ments of  work  and  doctrine  being  collected  from  larger 
sources. 

From  these  causes  and  for  these  purposes,  this  hand-book 
has-been  prepared,  and  is  presented  to  the  members  of  the 
church. 

3 


Goiptei^ts. 


Page. 

History  and  Doctrine 7 

Origin 7 

Growth 9 

Confession  of  Faith 12 

Polity 14 

Position  on  Moral  Life 16 

Government 18 

Constitution 18 

Outline  of  the  Church-Government 20 

Membership 20 

Ministry 21 

Officers 23 

Conferences 26 

Departments  of  Church- Work 29 

Sunday-Schools 29 

Missions 31 

Church-Erection 36 

Woman's  Missionary  Work 36 

Printing  Establishment 38 

Educational  Work 41 

CONCLtSION 45 

Historical  Tables 47 

General  Officers 47 

Educational  Institutions 50 

6 


Hi§tor\^    Siv^h    Doctriipe. 


ORIGIN. 


^  J  -iNiTED  Brethren  ix  Christ,"  is  the  title 

/        of  the  church  which,  in  the  latter  part  of 

the  last  century,  grew  out  of  the  religious 

awakening  of  William  Otterbein  and  a  number  of 

his  friends. 

Philip  William  Otterbein,  the  leader  of  this 
movement,  was  a  distinguished  divine  and  mis- 
sionary of  the  German  Reformed  Church,  who 
was  sent  by  the  Synod  of  Holland,  in  1752,  from 
Dillenburg,  Germany,  to  America.-  He  was  chosen 
for  the  mission  because  of  his  zeal  and  earnest- 
ness, and  his  deep  devotion.  As  a  young  man  he 
preached  with  great  power  and  learning.  It  was 
not,  however,  till  after  his  settlement  at  Lancas- 
ter, Pennsylvania,  his  first  charge  in  America, 
tliut  Otterbein,  after  much  prayer,  realized  that 
God  had  poured  upon  him  the  spirit  of  grace 
and  power.  He  now  began  to  preach  against  the 
lifeless  formality  of  the  church,  which  had  been 
thought  sufficient  by  both  ministry  and  people, 
and  in  the  midst  of  which  he  had  so  long  lived 
and  worked.  He  therefore  urged  the  necessity  of 
a  new  birth  and  of  experimental  godliness. 
7 


8  HISTORY    AND    DOCTRINE. 

While  Mr.  Otterbein  was  thus  preaching,  and 
establishing  prayer-meetings,  in  which  the  laymen 
might  have  better  opportunities  for  labor,  Eev. 
Mariin  Boehm,  a  zealous  Mennonite,  having  him- 
self experienced  a  similar  change  of  heart,  was 
engaged  in  a  diflferent  field  in  the  same  work.  At 
a  "great  meeting,"  held  about  1766,*  in  Isaac 
Long's  barn,  in  Lancaster  County,  Pennsylvania, 
both  these  ministers,  with  many  others,  were  pres- 
ent. At  the  close  of  a  very  earnest  sermon  by 
Mr.  Boehm,  Mr.  Otterbein  arose  and  embraced  the 
preacher,  crying,  "  We  are  brethren !  '*  These 
words  suggested,  a  number  of  years  later,  the 
name  for  the  new  denomination  which  finally 
sprung  from  this  meeting. 

From  this  time  these  brethren,  with  other  min- 
isters, all  Germans,  traveled  extensively  in  Penn- 
sylvania, Virginia,  and  Maryland,  preaching  to  all 
that  a  vital  union  with  Christ,  in  heart  and  life, 
is  essential  to  religious  growth.  Otterbein  himself 
was,  in  1774,  settled  over  a  congregation  at  Balti- 
more, Maryland,  which  had  withdrawn  from  the 
communion  of  the  German  Reformed  Church. 
Here  he  remained  until  his  death  in  1813,  di- 
recting and  superintending  the  work  begun  in  hh 
young  manhood. 

It  was  not  intended,  at  first,  by  these  fellow- 
workers  to  organize  a  new  church,  but  simply  to 
awaken  the  people  to  the  importance  of  conver- 
sion, or  the  new  birth.     While  working  with  this 

*  See  Life  of  Otterbein,  by  Prof.  A.  W.  Drury,  A.  M.,  pages 
117-122. 


HISTORY    AND    DOCTRINE.  9 

purpose,  several  years  passed.  Later  it  was  de- 
cided to  call  a  conference  of  the  naiuisters  devoted 
to  the  work  to  consider  the  beat  means  of  uniting^ 
and  establishing  the  believers  in  the  new  life. 
This  gathering  was  held  in  1789,  at  Baltimore,, 
when  it  was  decided  to  continue  the  conferences 
as  might  seem  best.  Finally,  in  1800,  the  socie- 
ties interested  in  the  movement  united  and  formed 
the  "United  Brethren  in  Christ,"  with  Mr.  Otter- 
bein  and  Mr.  Boehm  as  bishops. 

GROWTH. 

From  1800  to  1815,  the  church  grew  slowly  but 
steadily  in  the  states  already  mentioned,  its  work 
being  solely  among  the  Germans.  As  many  of  its 
members  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  the  West,  they 
carried  forward  the  work,  and  in  1810  a  new  con- 
ference was  formed  west  of  the  Alleghanies,  known 
as  the  Miami.  From  this  were  formed,  in  1818 
and  the  years  following,  the  Muskingum,  Scioto, 
Indiana,  and  other  conferences. 

Among  the  men  prominent  in  the  movements  of 
this  and  the  succeeding  period,  besides  Bishop* 
Otterbein  and  Boehm,  were  Christian  Newcomer, 
George  Geeting,  Andrew  Zeller,  Henry  Spayth, 
and  Henry  Kumler,  sr.  The  zeal  and  devotion  of 
these  and  other  earnest  men  were  abundantly  re- 
warded. 

Tlie  first  General  Conference  met,  Jane  6th, 
1815,  near  Mt.  Pleasant,  Pennsylvania,  in  a  small 
log  school-house.  Fourteen  ministers  were  present, 
from  four  states.     After  much  prayer  and  deliber- 


10  HISTORY    AXD    DOCTRIIS^E. 

ation,  the  Confession  of  Faith  was  adopted,  to- 
gether with  a  book  of  discipline,  containing  rules 
and  directions  for  the  government  of  the  church. 

About  the  same  time  a  new  period  of  growth 
began.  The  church,  hitherto  composed  exclu- 
sively of  Germans,  began  to  find  earnest  support- 
ers among  the  English  settlers  west  of  the  Alle- 
ghanies,  and  these  conferences  gradually  became 
English.  The  growth  was  now  more  rapid,  for 
the  field  was  wider.  Ministers  and  people  were 
zealous  in  spreading  their  belief  farther  and 
farther.  As  they  emigrated  north  and  west, 
new  churches  and  new  conferences  were  formed, 
and  the  succeeding  decades  showed  marked  growth. 
The  church,  which  in  1820  had  about  one  hundred 
and  fourteen  preachers,  with  thirty-six  itinerants, 
and  perhaps  ten  thousand  members,  included  in 
1845  five  hundred  and  eighty-one  preachers  and 
about  thirty-six  thousand  members. 

In  the  earlier  years  John  Russell,  Joseph  Hoflf- 
man,  John  McNamar,  and  others,  and  in  tiie  later 
years  Wm.  Davis,  J.  Griffith,  W.  R  Rhinehart,  J. 
J.  Glossbrenner.  D.  Edwards,  and  many  others  con- 
tributed to  tiie  establishment  of  the  work  of  the 
church  and  of  its  principles.  This  was  the  period 
in  which  the  position  of  the  church  was  taken  on 
many  of  the  great  moral  questions  which  distin- 
guish it;  and  the  men  of  the  time  were  worthy  of 
the  work. 

The  efforts  of  the  church  during  these  years 
were  largely  expended  in  the  country  districts,  the 


HISTORY    AND    DOCTKIXE.  11 

rciijisters  for  some  reason  avoiding  the  towns  and 
cities.  Each  itinerant  had  many  appointments, 
traveling  from  one  to  another,  preaching  at  pri- 
vate houses,  in  barns,  school-liouses,  or  wherever 
opportunity  ofTerf  d.  His  salary  was  small,  often 
but  a  few  dollars,  but  he  was  always  honored, 
and  the  people  everywhere  received  him  with 
kindness  and  hospitality. 

The  increasing  growth  of  the  church  led  to  the 
adoption,  in  1841,  of  the. Constitution,  which  has 
since  been  the  basis  of  the  legislation  of  the  vari- 
ous general  conferences.  This  same  growth  had 
led  to  the  establishment,  in  1834,  of  the  Eeligious 
Telescope,  and  the  beginning  of  the  printing  house 
of  the  church.  It  was  but  a  little  later,  in  1845, 
that  the  first  steps  in  our  educational  history  were 
taken,  and  the  first  college  was  opened  in  1847. 
But  progress  was  not  yet  stopped.  Feeling  that 
the  church  is  to  carry  the  gospel  to  all  the 
earth,  the  Missionary  Society  was  organized  in 
1853,  and  the  first  missionaries  were  appointed  a 
year  later.  In  1875  the  women  of  the  church 
began  their  active,  apgressive  work  in  the  Wom- 
an's Missionary  Society.  From  the  early  cate- 
chetical schools  had  come  the  Sunday-schools,  first 
organized  about  1827.  To  supply  their  wants 
were  begun  the  Children's  Friend  and  Missiojianj 
Visitor,  and  later  the  various  Bible  lesson-helps, 
now  so  important  a  part  of  our  work. 

During  the  later  years,  the  church  has  been 
occupied  in  the  development  of  these  various  de- 


12  HISTORY    AXD    DOCTRIXE 

partments  of  its  work.  Most  of  the  men  who 
have  been  influential  in  thene  movements  are 
still  living,  earnest  in  their  endeavors,  and  hon- 
ored by  their  fellow-men.  The  growth  continues, 
the  efforts  to  hold  the  early  zeal  and  devotion  are 
unbroken,  and  the  mission  of  the  church  —  to 
maintain  decided  positions  on  all  questions  of 
Christian  life  —  is  daily  fulfilled  in  the  work  of  its 
people.  In  1884  there  were  thirteen  hundred  and 
thirty-six  itinerants,  with  one  hundred  and  sixty- 
.six  thousand  three  hundred  and  twenty-three 
members,  contributing  almost  a  million  of  dollars 
for  church- work. 

CONFESSION   OF  FAITH. 

Adopted  in  1815. 

In  the  name  of  God  we  declare  and  confess  be- 
fore all  men,  that  we  believe  in  the  only  true  God, 
the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  that 
these  three  are  one:  The  Father  in  the  Son,  the 
Son  in  the  Father,  and  the  Holy  Ghost  equal  in 
essence  or  being  with  both ;  that  this  triune  God 
created  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  and  all  that 
in  them  is,  visible  as  well  as  invisible,  and  further- 
more sustains,  governs,  protects,  and  supports  the 
same. 

We  believe  in  Jesus  Christ ;  that  he  is  very  God 
and  man  ;  that  he  became  incarnate  by  the  power 
of  the  Holy  Ghost  in  the  Virgin  Mary,  and  was 
born  of  her ;  that  he  is  the  Savior  and  Mediator 
of  the  whole  human  race,  if  they  with  full  faith 


HISTORY ,  AND    DOCTRINE.  13 

in  him  accept  the  grace  proflfered  in  Jesus ;  that 
this  Jesus  suffered  and  died  on  the  cross  for  us, 
was  buried,  arose  again  on  the  third  day,  ascended 
into  heaven,  and  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God 
to  intercede  for  us;  and  that  he  shall  come  again 
at  the  last  day  to  jud.e  the  quick  and  the  dead. 

We  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost ;  that  he  is  equal 
in  being  with  the  Father  and  the  Son,  and  that 
be  comforts  the  faithful,  and  guides  them  into  all 
truth. 

We  believe  in  a  Holy  Christian  Church,  the 
communion  of  saints,  the  resurrection  of  the  body, 
and  life  everlasting. 

We  believe  that  the  Holy  Bible,  Old  and  New 
Testaments,  is  the  v^onl  of  God;  that  it  contains 
the  only  true  way  to  our  salvation;  that  every 
true  Christian  is  bound  to  acknowledge  and  re- 
ceive it  with  the  influence  of  the  Spirit  of  God, 
as  the  only  rule- and  guide  ;  and  that  without  faith 
in  Jesus  Christ,  true  repentance,  forgiveness  of 
sins,  and  following  after  Christ,  no  one  can  be  a 
true  Christian. 

We  also  believe  that  what  is  contained  in  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  to-wit :  The  fall  in  Adam  and 
redemption  through  Jesus  Christ,  shall  be  preached 
throughout  the  world. 

We  believe  that  the  ordinances,  viz:  Baptism 
and  the  remembrance  of  the  sufferings  and  death 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  are  to  be  in  use  and 
^practiced  by  all  Christian  societies  ;  and  that  it  is 
incumbent  on  all  the  children  of  God  particularly 


14  HISTORY    AND    DOCTRIXE. 

to  practice  them  ;  but  the  manner  in  which  ought 
always  to  be  left  to  the  judgment  and  understand- 
ing of  every  individual.  Also  the  example  of 
washing  feet  is  left  to  the  judirment  of  every  one, 
to  practice  or  not;  but  it  is  not  becoming  of  any 
of  our  preachers  or  brethren  to  traduce  any  of  their 
brethren  whose  judgment  and  understanding  in 
these  respects  is  different  from  their  own,  either  in 
public  or  private.  Whosoever  shall  make  himself 
guilty  in  this  respect,  shall  be  considered  a  tradu- 
cer  of  his  brethren,  and  shall  be  answerable  for 
the  same. 

POLITY. 

The  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ  is 
not  an  off-shoot  from  any  denomination,  its  found- 
ers having  held  in  view  tlie  accomplishment  of  a 
special  mission.  It  did  not  arise  from  differences 
in  doctrine,  for  it  presents  no  new  doctrines  of  any 
kind.  Its  beliefs  are  those  of  other  evangelical 
churches,  and  its  theology  is  Arminian.  It  en- 
joins the  ordinances  presented  by  the  Scriptures 
and  followed  by  the  Christian  churches  in  general. 
Its  founders  united  to  emphasize  the  need  of  con- 
secration of  soul  to  God,  and  this  has  been  its 
spirit. 

In  its  administration,  it  is  distinguished  as  a 
body  in  which  the  power  is  almost  equally  divided 
between  the  ministry  and  the  people.  All  oflScers 
hold  their  place  by  consent  of  the  members,  ex- 
pressed by  vote  either  directly  or  by  representa- 


HISTORY    AND    DOCTRINE.  15 

tives.  The  people  choose  the  local  church-officers^ 
who  form  the  majority  of  each  official  board  ;  in 
many  conferences,  a  lay  delegate  to  the  annual 
conference ;  and  the  delegates  to  each  general  con- 
ference. The  annual  conference  chooses  its  pre- 
siding elders  and  other  officers.  The  general 
conference  elects  all  the  officers  and  boards  of  the 
church. 

But  one  order  of  ministers  is  recognized — that 
of  elder.  Bishops  and  presiding  elders  are  chosen 
from  among  the  elders  simply  as  superintendents. 

In  supplying  the  congregations  with  ministers, 
the  "itinerant  system"'  is  the  adopted  method. 
All  pastors  are  subject  to  settlement  and  change 
as  determined  by  the  committee  chosen  by  each 
annual  conference.  A  minister  may  not  remain 
upon  a  charge  more  than  three  years  without  con- 
sent of  two-thirds  of  the  annual  conference. 

In  form  of  worship  the  church  seeks  directness 
and  simplicity.  She  has  no  liturgy  and  does  not 
enforce  uniformity  in  service,  each  congregation 
deciding  the  method  for  itself. 

The  meetings  of  the  church  include  the  regular 
Sabbath  preaching  of  God's  word,  the  weekly 
prayer  and  class-meetings,  and  the  Sunday-school, 
with  such  others  as  each  congregation  may  de- 
termine. Four  times  during  the  year  the  "quar- 
terly meeting"  of  each  charge  is  held  by  the 
presiding  elder,  at  which  time  the  general  business 
of  the  charge  is  transacted,  the  communion  service 
usually  being  held  upon  the  Sabbath. 


16  HISTORY    AND    DOCTRINE. 

POSITION  ON  MORAL  LIFE. 

A  natural  result  of  the  principles  which  led  to 
the  formation  of  the  church  has  been  to  require  of 
its  members  devotion  to  Christ,  simplicity  of  faith, 
purity  of  life,  and  uprightness  of  conduct.  Upon 
all  questions  of  morality  the  position  of  the  church 
has  always  been  decided.  No  compromise  with 
evil  has  been  suggested. 

The  law  of  the  church  forbids  the  sale  or  use 
of  intoxicating  liquors  by  its  members ;  and  the 
renting  of  property  to  liquor  dealers,  or  signing  a 
petition  favoring  them,  is  considered  immoral.  The 
members  are  always  found  active  in  every  move- 
ment for  the  growth  of  temperance.  Against  the 
use  of  tobacco  the  sentiment  is  strong.  Many 
conferences  refuse  to  admit  to  the  ministry  those 
who  use  it  in  any  way. 

Slavery  was  always  thought  to  be  a  sin,  and  in 
1821  was  entirely  forbidden,  the  holding  of  slaves 
being  made  a  misdemeanor.  This  position  has 
never  been  changed.  Many  members  in  former 
days  suffered  severely  in  defense  of  this  principle. 

The  church  has  always  held  that  secret  societies 
are  evil  in  their  nature  and  tendency ;  that  union 
with  them  is  inconsistent  with  Christian  life.  Its 
laws,  therefore,  forbid  its  members  to  hold  connec- 
tion with  such  societies,  and  provide  stringent 
rules  for  the  violation  of  these  provisions. 

The  authority  of  the  civil  government  is  recog- 
nized, and  the  members  are  enjoined  to  obey  its 
laws ;  and  while  disapproving  warfare,  the  church 


HISTORY    AND    DOCTRINE.  17 

acknowledges  the  obligation  of  every  citizen  to 
protect  and  preserve  the  government  in  time  of 
treason  and  invasion. 

Ou  the  questions  of  the  observance  of  the  Sab- 
bath, of  divorce,  of  the  true  rights  of  man,  the 
position  of  the  church  is  undoubted.  Its  prin- 
ciples and  it3  practice  can  not  fail  to  lead  to  high 
Christian  life. 
2 


GoVen2n2ei2t. 


CONSTITUTION. 

Adopted  in  1841. 

"We,  tlie  members  of  the  Church  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,  in  the  name  of  God,  do, 
for  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ, 
as  well  as  to  produce  and  secure  a  uniform  mode 
of  action,  in  faith  and  practice,  also  to  define  the 
powers  and  the  business  of  quarterly,  annual,  and 
general  conferences,  as  recognized  by  this  church, 
ordain  the  following  articles  of  Constitution: 

ARTICLE   I. 

Section  i.  All  ecclesiastical  power  hereia 
granted,  to  make  or  repeal  any  rule  of  Discipline, 
is  vested  in  a  Genei"al  Conference,  which  shall  con- 
sist of  elders,  elected  by  the  members  in  every 
conference  district  throughout  the  society ;  pro- 
vided, however,  such  elders  shall  have  stood  in 
that  capacity  three  years,  in  the  conference  dis- 
trict to  which  they  belong. 

Sec.  2.  General  Conference  is  to  be  held  every 
four  years ;  the  bishops  to  be  considered  members 
and  presiding  officers. 

Sec.  3,     Each  annual   conference  shall   place 
before  the  society  the  names  of  all  the  elders  eligi- 
ble to  membership  in  the  General  Conference. 
18 


GOVERNMENT.  19 


Section  1.  The  General  Conference  shall  define 
the  boundaries  of  tlie  annual  conferences. 

Sec.  2.  The  General  Conference  shall,  at  e very- 
session,  elect  bishops  from  among  the  elders 
throughout  the  church,  who  have  stood  six  years 
in  that  capacity. 

Sec.  3.  The  business  of  each  annual  conference 
shall  be  done  strictly  according  to  Discipline ;  and 
any  annual  conference  acting  contrary  thereunto, 
shall,  by  impeachnaent,  be  tried  by  the  General 
Conference. 

Sec.  4.  No  rule  or  ordinance  shall  at  any  time 
be  passed,  to  change  or  do  away  the  Confession  of 
Faith  as  it  now  stands,  nor  to  destroy  the  itinerant 
plan. 

Sec.  5.  There  shall  no  rule  be  adopted  that  will 
infringe  upon  the  rights  of  any  as  it  relates  to  the 
mode  of  baptism,  the  sacrament  of  the  Lor.l's- 
supper,  or  the  washing  of  feet. 

Sec.  6.  There  shall  be  no  rule  made  that  will 
deprive  local  preachers  of  their  votes  in  the  annual 
conferences  to  which  they  severally  belong. 

Sec.  7.  There  shall  be  no  connection  with  secret 
combinations,  nor  shall  involuntary  servitude  be 
tolerated  in  any  way. 

Sec.  8.    The  right  of  appeal  shall  be  inviolate. 

ARTICLE    III. 

The  right,  title,  interest,  and  claim  of  all  prop- 
erty, whether  consisting  in  lots  of  ground,  meeting- 


20  GOVERNMENT. 

houses,  legacies,  bequests  or  donations  of  any  kind, 
obtained  by  purchase  or  otherwise,  by  any  person 
or  persons,  for  the  use,  benefit,  and  behoof  of  the 
Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  is  hereby 
fully  recognized  and  held  to  be  the  property  of  the 
church  aforesaid. 

ARTICLE    IV. 

There  shall  be  no  alteration  of  the  foregoing 
constitution,  unless  by  request  of  two  thirds  of 
the  whole  society. 

OUTLINE  OF  THE  CHURCH-GOVERNMENT. 

An  outline  of  the  government  of  the  church 
must  include  a  statement  of  its  membership  and 
its  division  into  conferences,  of  the  ministry  and 
its  character,  and  of  the  officers  and  official  boards. 

The  basis  of  organization  is  the  class,  or  congre- 
gation. For  the  sake  of  strength,  several  of  these 
classes  may  be  united,  forming  a  charge  or  circuit. 
These  stations  and  circuits  are  united  into  confer- 
ence-district'*, of  which  there  are  now  about  fifty. 
These  annual  conferences  are  grouped  at  present 
into  five  districts,  each  presided  over  by  a  bishop. 

I.  Membership.  —  Tiie  membership  of  the 
church  consists  of  those  who  have  been  formally 
received  in  open  congregation  by  the  pastor,  op- 
portunity having  been  given  for  objections  to  their 
reception.  Before  they  are  received,  applicants 
must  affirm  their  belief  in  the  Bible  as  the  word 
of  God  and  the  only  guide  to  the  knowledge  of 
the  way  of  salvation ;  their  confidence  in  the  par- 


GOVERNMENT.  21 

don  of  their  sins;  their  determination  by  the 
grace  of  God  to  follow  Christ  in  a  life  of  holiness 
and  devotion;  their  willingness  to  be  governed  by 
the  church-discipline. 

Persons  who  are  sincerely  seeking  the  Lord  may 
be  received  into  the  watch-care  of  the  church,  but 
are  not  reported  as  members,  nor  do  they  have  a 
vote  in  the  elections. 

It  is  the  duty  of  every  member  to  acknowledge 
his  faith  in  the  Bible  and  its  teachings;  observe 
all  the  ordinances  of  God's  house ;  attend  the 
meetings  of  the  church;  encourage  the  Sunday- 
school  ;  keep  the  Sabbath  holy ;  be  diligent  in 
prayer;  live  a  quiet  and  peaceable  life  among  his 
fellows;  pay  liberally  to  the  support  of  the  min- 
istry and  of  the  church  ;  and  contribute  freely  to 
the  benevolent  work  of  God's  people. 

Persons  guilty  of  misdemeanors  or  violations  of 
church-rules,  may,  after  due  admonition  and  form 
of  examination,  be  expelled  by  a  vote  of  the  class. 

Members  removing  from  any  place  may  receive, 
by  a  vote  of  the  charge,  a  certificate  signed  by  the 
pastor  recommending  them  to  Christian  fellowship 
elsewhere. 

IL  Ministry.  —  In  close  and  natural  relation 
to  the  membership,  and  springing  from  it,  is  the 
ministry,  which  is  either  itinerant  or  local.  The 
former  is  the  body  of  active  preachers  in  cHarge 
of  the  various  stations.  The  latter  consists  of 
those  who,  on  account  of  sickness  or  other  causes, 
have  left  the  active  work  for  a  season. 


22  GOYERXMEXT. 

la  the  choice  of  the  ministry,  the  official  mem- 
bers exercise  the  authority  of  the!.church. 

Each  quarterly  conference  is  authorized  to  is- 
sue a  license  to  any  person,  properly  qualified,  as 
exhorter.  Tliis  must  be  renewed  annually.  Such 
persons  may  then  publicly  explain  the  Scriptures. 

Any  person  desiring  to  enter  the  ministry  must 
apply  to  the  quarterly  conference  of  the  church 
of  which  he  is  a  member.  He  must  give  satisfac- 
tory evidence  of  his  conversion,  of  his  knowledge 
and  qualifications,  of  his  call  to  the  ministry,  and 
of  his  willingness  to  obey  the  church-laws.  His 
license  is  renewable  annually,  and  he  must  pursue 
the  course  of  reading  prescribe'!  by  ihe  Discipline 
of  the  church.  After  holding  this  relation  one  or 
more  years,  the  licentiate  may  be  recommended  to 
the  annual  conference  for  admission  as  a  preacher. 
He  must  here  be  examined  upon  his  faith,  experi- 
ence, desires,  determinn lions,  auii  qualifications. 
If  these  be  satisfactory  he  may  be  admitted  as  a 
preacher,  upon  probation.  During  the  three  years 
of  this  probation,  the  young  minister  must  pursue 
the  course  of  reading  prescribed  by  the  church, 
being  examined  each  year  upon  the  studies  of 
that  year.  At  the  close  of  this  probation,  after  a 
,fuU  examination  of  his  character  and  attainments, 
the  applicant  may  be  admitted  to  the  order  of 
elder.  The  ordination  service,  usually  performed 
by  the  bishop,  by  the  laying  on  of  hands,  is  con- 
ducted on  a  day  appointed, — generally  at  the  meet- 
ing of  the  annual  conference. 


GOVERNMENT.  23 

Having  been  thus  admitted  to  the  conference, 
the  elder  accepts  the  duties  of  the  itinerant,  is 
eligible  to  a  minister's  privileges,  and  is  permitted 
to  perform  all  the  oflBces  ordinarily  belonging;;  to 
him. 

The  minister,  or  elder,  not  only  is  the  spiritual 
leader  and  instructor  of  the  church,  but  keeps  its 
records  of  members,  arranges  tor  the  collection  of 
the  contributions  to  the  benevolences  of  the 
church,  and  superintends  all  its  work. 

The  supf)ort  of  the  ministry  is  provided  by  the 
people.  At  the  beginning  of  each  year  the  salary, 
us  agreed  upon  by  the  minister  and  people,  is 
apportioned  among  the  members,  and  it  is  collected 
during  the  year  by  the  proper  oflScers.  In  cases 
where  needed,  assistance  is  given  from  the  funds 
of  the  Board  of  Mi>si()ns,  either  of  the  church  or 
of  the  conlerenee.  Provision  is  also  made  for  the 
support  of  worn-out  itinerant  ministers  and  their 
families  by  general  contributions  of  the  people, 
and  by  payments  from  surplus  funds  of  the  Print- 
ing Establishment. 

III.  Officers  —  Tne  local  officers  of  each  church 
are  the  class  leaders,  class  stewards,  and  trustees. 
The  members  of  each  church  are  divided  into  as 
many  classes  as  is  thought  desirable.  Each  class 
then  chooses  its  leader  and  steward.  However,  if 
the  class  prefer  it,  the  pastor  may  appoint  the 
steward. 

The  Class  Leader  is  to  be  tiie  spiritual  guide  of 
his  class.     Being  a  faithful  student  of  the  Script- 


24  GOVERNMEXT. 

ures,  a  pious  and  godly  man,  he  ia  to  be  an  example 
to  all  his  circle.  It  is  his  duty  to  meet  his  class 
in  prayer  and  conference  meetings,  to  speak  to 
them  regarding  their  Christian  life,  to  visit  ihem 
when  sick,  and  to  encourage  them  when  in  diflB- 
culty. 

The  Class  Steward  collects  the  contributions  for 
the  support  of  the  ministry  and  church,  keeps  an 
accurate  account  of  all  money  received,  and  reports 
the  same  to  the  treasurer  at  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence. In  congregations  i-n  which  payments  for 
church-expenses  are  made  by  envelopes  deposited 
at  the  church  each  Sabbath,  the  stewards  serve  as 
efficient  assistants  to  the  treasurer. 

The  expenses  of  the  church  are  met  by  subscrip- 
tions made  at  the  beginning  of  the  conference 
year,  or  by  assessments  upon  the  members  made 
by  the  finance  committee  on  an  estimate  of  the 
annual  expenditure.  These  estimates  may  include 
whatever  items  are  desired  by  the  church. 

The  Trustees  are  the  legal  representatives  of  the 
church.  They  are  chosen  by  the  quarterly  con- 
ference in  accordance  with  the  law  of  the  state. 
They  have  charge  of  all  church  property,  control- 
ling the  building  of  churches  and  parsonages,  and 
having  direct  care  of  them.  They  are  authorized 
to  receive  and  make  deeds  for  property. 

The  OJicial  Board  of  each  congregation  trans- 
acts the  general  business.  It  is  composed  of  the 
pastor,  all  properly  recognized  preachers,  exhorters, 
leaders,  stewards,  trustees  of  property,  and  super- 


GOVERNMENT.  25 

intendents  of  Sunday-schools,  that  reside  within 
the  bounds  of  tlie  congregation.  This  board, 
meeting  monthly,  chooses  the  secretary  and  treas- 
urer of  llie  church,  appoints  and  receives  reports 
of  committees,  and  transacts  all  ihe  business  of  tiie 
congregation.  It  submits  the  record  of  its  busi- 
ness to  the  quarterly  conference. 

The  ministtrial  and  executive  officers  are  the  pre- 
siding elders  and  bishops.  These  are  always  min- 
isters, and  are  cliosen  by  the  elders  at  the  annual 
and  general  conferences. 

The  Presiding  Elders  are  chosen  by  the  annual 
conference  Irom  among  its  body  of  elders.  The 
conference  having  been  divided  into  districts,  an. 
officer  is  placed  over  each.  These  presiding  elders 
hold  the  quarterly  meetings  at  each  station,  in- 
quire into  the  condition  of  the  work,  spiritual  and 
temporal,  and  assist  the  pastors  in  every  way  pos- 
sible. The  salary  of  each  is  fixed  by  the  annual 
conference,  and  is  assessed  upon  the  various  char- 
ges of  tiie  district. 

The  Bishops  are  chosen  from  among  the  el- 
ders, by  ilie  general  conference,  at  each  of  its 
sessions.  Tiiese  are  the  superintendents  of  the 
church,  each  presiding  over  a  district,  of  which 
there  are  (1884)  five.  They  preside  at  the  annual 
and  general  conferences,  and  attend  to  the  execu- 
tion of  the  laws  of  tiie  church.  Tiiey  liold  annual 
meetings  for  deciding  questions  of  law,  determin- 
ing the  time  of  holding  the  annual  conferences, 
and  considering  the  general  interests  of  the  church. 


26  GOVERNMENT. 

They  spend  much  time  in  visiting  the  various  con- 
ferences, consulting,  dedicating  churches,  and 
assisting  the  ministers.  Their  salaries  are  fixed  by 
the  general  conference,  and  are  apportioned  among 
the  various  conferences  of  each  district,  to  be  paid 
by  the  subscriptions  of  the  peo})le. 

IV.  Conferences. —  Closely  related  to  the  of- 
ficial meeting,  and  composed  of  the  same  members, 
is  the  Quarterly  Conference.  Tliis  meets  four  times 
•each  year,  as  appointed  by  the  presiding  elder, 
who  presides  over  its  sessions.  This  body  makes 
the  settlements  with  the  stewards  and  ministers ; 
grants  licenses  to  exliort  or  preach  ;  inquires  into 
the  moral  and  official  character  of  its  members ; 
makes  estimates  of  the  expenses  of  the  station  or 
circuit,  and  provides  for  their  apportionment. 

Beyond  tlie  congregation  and  the  circuit  is  the 
Annual  Conference.  This  consists  of  all  elders  and 
licentiate  preachers  that  have  been  duly  received 
by  the  cou(erenci%  I.i  addition  each  conference 
has  the  right  to  provide  fur  the  election  of  one 
layman  from  each  charge.  This  has  been  done  by 
many  conferences,  thus  giving  the  laymen  active 
participation  in  the  control  of  the  church  and  in 
legislation  for  its  interests. 

Tills  conference  has  general  supervision  of  the 
work  within  its  limits;  fixes  the  boundaries  of 
stations  and  circuits;  considers  the  religious  work 
of  the  church — missions,  Sunday-schools,  etc. ;  re- 
ceives reports  from  the  ministers,  including  the 
inoney  raised  for  general  church  purposes,  and  ex- 


GOVERNMENT.  27 

amines  the  moral  and  official  character  of  each  min- 
ister; provides  for  the  examination  and  ordination 
of  candidates  for  the  ministry  ;  hears  appeals  from 
the  congregations;  chooses  presiding  elders  and 
other  officers;  and  appoints  committees  which, 
with  the  bishop,  station  the  presiding  elders  and 
ministers. 

The  meeting  of  the  annual  conference  is  always 
an  incident  of  great  interest  and  blessing  to  the 
people,  and  is  one  of  the  church's  most  efficient 
means  of  union  and  Christian  fellowship. 

The  important  bond  of  union  for  the  church  in 
general  is  the  General  Conference,  which  meets  every 
four  years  on  the  second  Tiiurj'day  in  May,  at  such 
place  as  may  be  designated.  This  conference  con- 
sists of  ministers  chosen  by  the  vote  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  denomination  during  tlie  mouth  of 
November  preceding  its  session.  Each  annual 
conference  is  entitled  to  not  less  than  two  nor 
more  than  four  representatives,  according  to  the 
number  of  its  members. 

The  general  conference  examines  the  adminis- 
tration of  each  annual  conference,  and  establishes 
its  boundaries;  prescribes  the  districts  and  assigns 
to  each  bishop  his  work ;  modifies  the  provisions 
of  the  church  Discipline  ;  provides  for  the  manage- 
ment of  the  various  institutions  of  church-work; 
and  elects  the  general  officers, — bishops,  publishing 
agent,  editors  of  periodicals,  secretary  and  treas- 
urer of  the  Missionary  Society,  trustees  of  the 
Seminary  and  Publishing  House,  and  members  of 


28  GOYERXMEXT. 

the  educational,    missionary,  and   Sunday-school 
boards. 

Thus  the  general  conference  gives  direction  to 
the  thought  and  power  of  the  church,  and  be- 
comes the  exponent  of  its  faith  and  spirit.  Its 
influence  in  the  church,  in  uniting  its  interests 
and  directing  its  energies,  and  in  bringing  together 
its  people  and  teaching  them  the  blessings  of 
Christian  fellowship,  can  not  be  over-estimated. 


Departryeipts  o[  Gl^arcl^- W  orl^. 


The  church,  realizing  that  the  efforts  of  its 
members  must  be  exerted  in  specific  directions; 
that  God  has  commanded  his  people  to  study  his 
word,  to  instruct  others,  and  to  preach  his  gospel ; 
and  that  system  is  essential  to  the  best  results  of 
labor,  has  recognized  various  departments  for  the 
exertion  of  its  energies.  These  include  the  Sun- 
day-school, the  missionary,  the  publishing,  and 
the   educational  interests. 

These  institutions  have  earned,  by  their  blessed 
results,  the  enthusiastic  support  of  every  one,  and 
may  well  call  forth  the  honest  pride  of  all  members. 

I.      SUXDAY-SCHOOLS. 

From  its  beginning  provision  has  been  made  by 
the  church  for  the  instruction  of  the  youth  in  the 
way  of  the  Lord.  Sunday-schools  for  instruction 
in  the  catechism  were  held  very  early.  Otterbein 
himself  visited  parts  of  the  church  and  "started 
prayer- meetings  and  Sunday-schools"  very  early 
in  the  century.  The  first  school  in  Baltimore  was 
begun  in  1827,  at  the  old  Otterbein  Church.  From 
that  time  every  encouragement  has  been  given  to 
instruction  in  the  word  of  God. 

The  Sunday-school  has  ever  been  considered  a 
department  of  the  church,  working  in  and  with 
29 


30  DEPARTMENTS    OF    CHIJRCH-WOEK:. 

the  church.  The  superintendeut  is  a  church 
officer,  responsible  to  the  quarterly  conference. 
On  the  other  hand,  the  church  is  charged  with 
nourishing  and  encouraging  the  school. 

For  the  promotion  of  the  interests  of  this  cause 
a  Sunday-school  Board  isappoiuted  by  each  general 
conference.  The  board  employs  a  secretary,  who 
holds  institutes  for  instruction  in  Sunday-school 
work,  assists  in  the  organization  and  direction  of 
new  or  weak  schools,  and  gives  aid  and  counsel 
wherever  needed.  The  board  also,  through  its 
treasurer,  disburses  the  money  of  the  Sunday- 
school  fund,  which  is  paid  in  by  the  schools  and 
congregations.  This  fund  is  used  to  assist  weak 
schools  in  new  localities,  furnishing  supplies  as 
they  may  be  needed.  This  is  one  of  the  most 
worthy  of  the  church -benevolences,  the  small 
amount  expended  doing  vast  good.  In  addition, 
this  board  plans  and  suggests  methods  for  the 
improvement  and  enlargement  of  the  Sunday- 
school  work  and  influence.  Upon  its  suggestion, 
in  order  that  the  children  may  be  more  specific- 
ally instructed  in  the  history  and  interests  of  the 
church,  the  first  Sunday  in  June,  being  that  nearest 
Otterbein's  birthday,  is  fixed  as  Children's  Day. 
The  services  of  this  day  are  all  for  children,  while 
the  contributions  go  to  augment  the  board's  per- 
manent fund.  There  is  also  provided  a  course  of 
study  for  the  preparation  of  Sunday-school  teach- 
ers. Diplomas  are  given,  signed  by  the  president 
and  secretary,  to  all  who  complete  this  "Normal 


DEPARTMENTS    OF    CHURCH-WORK.  31 

Course."  A  "Reading  Circle"  has  been  formed, 
under  the  direction  of  the  board,  for  the  promo- 
tion of  culture  in  the  church. 

As  a  result  of  energy  in  this  department  of  the 
church -work,  the  Sunday-schools  are  unusually 
prosperous.  In  1884  there  were  3  228  scliools,  with 
167,645  scholars,  and  27,377  officers  and  teachers, 
being  28,699  more  than  the  total  membership  of 
the  church.  From  these  schools  has  come  much 
of  the  strength  of  the  church,  and  many  of  its  best 
workers  are  trained  in  them.  For  a  number  of 
years  Col.  Robert  Cowden  has  been  the  efficient 
secretary  of  the  board,  and  much  of  the  growth  is 
due  to  his  energy. 

II.      MISSIONS. 

The  various  conferences  have  been  interested 
during  most  of  the  church's  history,  in  the  spread 
of  the  Gospel  beyond  their  immediate  limits,  and 
many  have  supported  missionaries  in  home  fields. 
Indeed,  the  history  of  the  church  has  been  that 
of  mission-work,  and  the  denomination  is  essen- 
tially missionary. 

There  was,  however,  during  the  earlier  years,  no 
union  of  effort  for  foreign  missions.  The  first  sug- 
gestions in  their  favor  were  decidedly  opposed  by 
many.  The  general  conferences  of  1841,  1845,  and 
1849,  took  some  inefficient  action  upon  the  subject. 
During  these  years,  as  a  result  of  agitation,  opin- 
ions were  changing  and  the  sentiment  in  favor  of 
foreign  work  was  growing.      Some  of  the  annual 


S2  DEPARTMENTS    OF    CHURCH-WORK. 

conferences  were  very  earnest,  and  began  to  move 
toward  active  effort.  Finally,  in  1853,  the  general 
conference  organized  the  "  Home,  Frontier,  and 
Foreign  Missionary  Society,"  and  appointed  a 
board  of  directors  and  the  proper  officers.  Rev. 
J.  C.  Bright,  of  the  Sandusky  Conference,  through 
whose  efforts,  especially,  these  results  were  reached, 
was  the  first  secretary. 

The  newly  appointed  board  met  at  Westerville, 
Ohio,  in  June,  1854.  After  much  deliberation  it 
was  decided  to  send  a  missionary  to  West  Africa. 
Rev.  W.  J.  Shuey,  who  had  constantly  urged  the 
action,  was  then  appointed  the  first  missionary. 
As  his  companions,  Dr.  D.  C.  K  nnler.  and  Rev. 
D,  K.  Flickinger,  were  chosen.  These  sailed  from 
New  York  in  January,  3855,  reaching  Freetown  a 
month  later.  After  much  difficulty  a  deed  was 
obtained  for  the  present  mission-station  at  Shain- 
gay,  in  British  Sherbro,  sixty  miles  south  of  Free- 
town, Sierra  Leone. 

The  history  of  this  mission  from  that  time  till 
1870,  is  an  index  of  the  mission-spirit  of  the  people 
of  America.  It  is  a  history  of  struggle,  discour- 
agement, and  indifference  even,  at  home,  and  of  dif- 
ficulty and  opposition  abroad.  Among  those  who 
gave  their  services  and  labored  faithfully  were 
Rev.  D.  K.  Flickinger,  D.  D.,  whose  devotion  to 
our  missions  has  been  of  great  importance;  Rev.  J. 
K.  Billheimer  and  wife,  so  closely  identified  with 
the  church's  missionary  efforts;  Rev.  W.  B.  Witt; 
E.ev.  C.  O.  Wilson  ;  Rev.  O.  Hadley  and  wife  ;  and 


DEPARTMENTS    OF    CHURCH- WORK.  33 

Eev.  J.  A.  Williams,  a  native  Christian,  who  gave 
efficient  service,  being  often  the  only  one  in  charge. 

In  1869  a  crisis  was  reached,  and  the.  abandon- 
ment of  the  work  was  seriously  considered.  But, 
largely  through  the  influence  of  Eev.  J.  Kemp, 
better  counsels  prevailed  and  a  new  effort  was 
made.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  Gomer,  members  of  the 
colored  church  at  Dayton,  Ohio,  were  sent  out 
to  begin  anew  the  work  among  the  heathen. 
From  that  time  the  work  has  steadily  grown  and 
its  influence  widened.  Now  there  are  twelve 
missionaries,  with  twenty-four  native  assistants, 
fifteen  stations,  two  hundred  and  fifty-six  towns 
reached,  and  four  hundred  and  forty-four  mem- 
bers. The  property  at  the  various  points  is  of 
great  value. 

In  1883  the  American  Missionary  Association 
transferred  to  the  board  for  a  term  of  years  the 
Mendi-Mission,  near  Siiaingay,  with  its  annual 
income  of  $5,000.  With  this  came  funds  for 
building  a  small  steamer  for  use  at  the  missions. 
Christians  in  England  about  the  same  time  be- 
came interested  in  the  success  of  our  missions,  and 
have  promised  material  aid. 

The  methods  of  work  employed  commend  them- 
selves to  all.  In  addition  to  the  religious  teaching, 
boys  and  girls  are  received  into  the  schools  and 
taught  much  as  Americans  are  taught,  the  instruc- 
tion including  various  trades  and  industries.  The 
mission  farm  is  carefully  tilled,  and  its  products 
bring  a  good  income.     Thus  careful  habits,  love  of 


34  DEPARTMENTS    OF    CHURCH- WORK. 

work,  and  a  knowledge  of  the  arts  of  civilization, 
are  given  with  the  religious  instruction.  Several 
natives — T>.  F.  Wilberforce,  David  Kasambo,  and 
Eemmie  Caulker  —  have  been  brought  to  America 
and  educated  as  a  preparation  for  the  work  in 
their  own  land. 

Western  Africa  seems  to  be  the  peculiar  field  of 
the  church,  and  increasing  success  attends  its 
efforts. 

The  board  has  carried  its  foreign  work  also  into 
Germany,  for  the  propagation  of  evangelical  re- 
ligion in  tliat  land.  This  work  was  begun  in 
1869,  Rev.  C.  Bischoff  being  the  first  missionary. 
The  work  has  grown  until  about  sixty  towns  in 
Bavaria  are  reached  by  our  workers,  of  whom 
there  are  twelve.  These  churches  have  over  six 
hundred  members.  The  ministers  preach  the  same 
doctrine  as  did  Otterbein,  in  the  century  before, — 
the  need  of  conversion,  and  a  life  devoted  to  God's 
service. 

Nor  is  the  work  of  the  Missionary  Society  con- 
fined to  foreign  fields.  From  its  inception  a  large 
part  of  its  work  has  been  the  extension  of  the 
church  into  new  fields,  especially  on  the  frontier. 
The  missionaries  sent  out  have  followed  the  line  of 
emigration  in  the  West  and  Northwest,  enduring 
untold  hardships  for  the  sake  of  the  work.  Of 
the  stations  thus  established  the  board  assumes 
control,  forming  mission  districts  and  mission  con- 
ferences, providing  many  of  the  ministers  and 
much  of  their  support.    The  growth  of  the  church 


DEPARTMENTS    OF    CHURCH-WORK.  35 

in  the  West  has  been  due  largely  to  these  eflforts. 
The  home  fields  —  those  within  the  bounds  of  the 
annual  conferences — are  under  the  direction  of 
the  conferences  themselves,  as  branches  of  the  gen- 
eral society. 

In  1884  there  were  reported,  in  home  and  frontier 
fields,  397  missionaries,  preaching  at  1,357  places. 
There  was  collected  for  missions,  in  the  same 
period,  $47,404.16. 

As  stated  before,  the  Missionary  Society  is 
simply  the  church  organized  for  mission-work. 
The  management  is  entrusted  to  a  Board  of  Direc- 
tors chosen  by  the  general  conference,  and  con- 
sisting of  a  president,  four  vice-presidents,  secretary, 
treasurer,  and  seven  directors.  The  payment  of 
ten  dollars  at  one  time  constitutes  a  life  member 
of  the  society,  and  of  fifty  dollars,  a  life  director. 
These  members  may  serve  on  committees  and  dis- 
cuss questions  at  the  annual  meetings  of  the  board, 
but  have  no  right  to  vote. 

The  board  holds  its  meetings  at  such  time  and 
place  as  it  may  itself  determine.  It  opens  mis- 
sions; employs  missionaries;  directs  the  various 
mission  districts  and  conferences;  makes  appro- 
priations for  the  different  parts  of  its  work ;  and 
consults  and  legislates  generally  for  the  cause  of 
missions  throughout  the  church.  It  appoints  an 
executive  committee  to  direct  the  work  between 
its  sessions. 

The  secretary  and  treasurer  devote  their  time 
exclusively  to  the  interests  of  the  society, — keep- 


36  DEPARTMEXTS    OF    CHURCH-^VOIIK:. 

ing  its  records,  visiting  its  missions,  attending  con- 
ferences, soliciting  funds,  and  instructing  and 
encouraging   the   church   in    the   work. 

Each  conference  is  a  branch  society,  controlling 
the  missions  in  its  own  territory.  It  pays  a  fixed 
proportion  of  its  receipts  into  the  treasury  of  the 
general  board,  which  largely  depends  upon  it  for 
support.  The  conferences  usually  assess  a  definite 
amount  upon  each  charge  within  their  limits,  this 
amount  being  then  paid  by  the  members  during 
the  church-year.    . 

The  Church  -  Eeectiox  Society  is  under  the 
control  of  the  Missionary  Society,  and  is  managed 
by  its  ofiicers.  This  branch  of  the  work  has  as  its 
object  the  loaning  of  money  to  needy  societies  for 
the  building  of  churches.  When  help  is  needed, 
application  is  made  to  the  Board  of  Directors,  the 
money  is  loaned  on  security,  and  is  returned  with- 
out interest  within  three  years.  The  money  is 
largely  raised,  as  are  the  missionary  funds,  by  the 
contributions  of  the  membership  upon  assessment 
by  the  conferences.  This  feature  of  the  church- 
work  is  worthy  of  greater  support  than  it  has  ever 
received. 

The  WoMAx's  Missionary  Society  was  organ- 
ized in  1875,  at  Dayton,  Ohio,  eight  conferences 
being  represented.  Without  hesitation  the  work 
was  begun  by  the  appointment  of  Miss  Emily 
Beeken  as  missionary  to  Africa.  A  station,  known 
as  Rotofunk,  was  chosen,  near  enough  to  Shaingay 
to  co-operate  with  the  missionaries  of  the  general 


DEPARTME2sTS    OF    CHURCH- WORK.  3/ 

board,  yet  far  enough  to  open  a  new  country  to 
Cliristianity. 

In  1877,  Mrs.  M.  M.  Mair,  of  Scotlana,  relieved 
Miss  Beekeu.  By  energy  and  devotion  the  work 
grew,  new  stations  were  opened  and  schools  begun, 
and  the  whole  was  now  called  Bompeh  Mission.  In 
1882  Mr.  and  :\rrs.  R.  X.  West  relieved  Mrs.  Mair, 
who  returned  home  for  rest.  In  1884  five  mission- 
aries and  teachers  were  employed,  reaching  38 
towns;  and  the  members  numbered  131.  This 
board  owns  a  jiood  mission  -  house  and  chapel, 
costing  about  $5,000,  with  fine  grounds  and  sur- 
roundings. 

With  the  growth  of  the  work,  the  power  to  act 
was  increased ;  and,  in  1880,  a  mission  was  begun  in 
Coburg,  Germany.  This  has  grown  in  numbers 
and  influence.  But  the  limit  was  not  yet  reached. 
In  response  to  repeated  calls  it  was  decided,  in 
1882,  to  open  work  among  the  Chinese  of  the 
Pacific  coast.  A  year  later  Eev.  and  Mrs.  George 
A.  Sickafoose  were  appointed  to  the  work  at  Port- 
land, Oregon.  Here  they  have  an  attendance  at  the 
school  of  about  sixty,  and  have  organized  a  church 
with  twenty-eii:ht  members. 

In  1884,  the  sum  of  $6,654.24  was  collected  by 
this  organization. 

This  society  has  taken  especial  charge  of  the  in- 
struction of  the  children  and  youth  of  the  church 
in  the  work  of  missions,  and  many  of  these  are 
learning  to  love  and  encourage  not  only  the  mis- 
aion-work,  but  all  the  work  of  the  church. 


38  DEPARTMENTS    OF    CHURCH- WORK. 

Each  step  taken  in  our  mission-history  has  shown 
the  blessing  of  God, — the  interest  has  increased, 
the  contributions  have  grown,  and  men  and  women 
in  many  parts  of  the  world  have  received  the  gos- 
pel.    The  purpose  of  organization  is  daily  fulfilled. 

III.      THE   PRIXTIXG   ESTABLISHMENT. 

In  1829,  Aaron  Farmer,  of  Salem,  Indiana,  began, 
under  the  auspices  of  the  Miami  Conference,  the 
publication  of  the  Zion^s  Advocate^  a  small  relig- 
ious paper.  This  was  the  first  attempt  at  a  church 
paper.  The  enterprise  soon  failed  from  want  of 
patronage,  but  it  served  to  awaken  an  interest  in 
church-literature.  The  general  conference  of  1833 
resolved  to  establish  a  religious  paper,  and  ap- 
pointed three  trustees,  who  were  authorized  to  col- 
lect subscriptions  and  donations,  and  to  publish  a 
*' paper  devoted  to  religious,  moral,  and  literary 
intelligence."  The  next  year  these  trustees  bought 
property,  presses,  and  materials  at  Circleville, 
Ohio,  valued  at  $1,600.  The  Mountain  Messenger,  oi 
Hagerstown,  Maryland,  undertaken  a  few  months 
before,  was  purchased  a  little  later,  and  its  editor. 
Rev.  W.  E..  Rhinehart,  was  made  editor  of  the  new 
enterprise.  The  first  number  of  The  Religious  Tel- 
escope, a  small  semi-monthly,  was  issued,  December 
31,  1834.  This  was  the  beginning  of  the  publish- 
ing interest  of  the  church,  which  has  now  grown 
to  be  one  of  its  greatest  and  most  important  fac- 
tors of  usefulness. 

The  one  paper  then  published  had  a  circulation 
of  about  one  thousand,  which  at  one  time  fell  to 


DEPARTMENTS    OF    CHUKCH-WORK.  '6\) 

a  little  more  than  half  that  number,  and  most  of 
this  was  unpaid.  It  was  but  a  short  time,  there- 
fore, till  there  was  a  growing  debt.  But  good  man- 
agement relieved  this  before  18^9  During  these 
years  Revs.  N.  Altman  and  W.  Hun  by  were 
employed  as  agents.  In  1853,  the  general  confer- 
ence decided  to  remove  the  Printing  Establishment 
to  Dayton,  Ohio,  and  accordingly  the  trustees 
purciiased  the  site  now  held,  one  of  the  best  in 
the  city,  for  about  $11,000.00.  Rev.  S.  Yonneida 
was  agent  at  that  time,  and  Rev.  H.  Kumler,  jr., 
assistant.  The  credit  system  was  in  vogue,  and  the 
failure  to  pay  the  bills  due  almost  overwhelmed 
the  business.  In  1864,  a  debt  of  $52,000  had  been 
created,  while  the  assets  were  invoiced  at  about 
$63,000.  At  this  time  Mr.  T.  N.  Sowers  was  chosen 
agent,  and  soon  after  Rev.  W.  J.  Shuey  succeeded 
him.  The  agent  then  proposed  as  a  method  of  re- 
lief the  "Publication  Fund,"  to  be  contributed 
by  the  church.  This  plan,  adopted  by  the  general 
conference  of  1865,  brought  $19,000  to  the  estab- 
lishment, and  gave  it  an  impetus  in  the  right  di- 
rection. Though  the  struggle  was  long,  yet  by 
careful  management  and  judicious  use  of  resources, 
the  agent  was  able  to  pay  the  last  of  the  debt  in 
1880.  Since  then  the  assets  have  increased  to 
over  $200,000,  the  business  has  been  greatly  en- 
larged, and  its  credit  firmly  established. 

The  establishment  includes  all  the  departments 
necessary  for  complete  work — wholesale  and  retail 
book-rooms;    press,  job-printing,   news,  and  mail- 


40  DEPARTMENTS    OF    CHUECH-WORK. 

ing-rooms;  bindery;  electrotype  and  stereotype 
foundry,  and  editorial  departments.  It  employs  a 
large  number  of  men  and  women,  and  does  a  bus- 
iness of  several  hundred  thousand  dollars  a  year. 

Besides  the  many  books  prepared  for  the  church, 
numerous  periodicals  are  published.  The  oldest 
of  tliese,  The  Religious  Telescope,  begun  under  such 
unfavorable  circumstances,  has  grown  to  be  a 
strong  and  influential  weekly.  Among  its  editors 
have  been  some  of  the  most  prominent  men  of  the 
church.  A  list  of  their  names  may  be  found  in 
the  Historical  Tables,  on  page  47.  Tiie  Sunday- 
school  literature,  long  edited  by  Dr.  D.  Berger,  in- 
cludes the  Children's  Fnend,  Our  Bible  Ttacher,  the 
LessQji  Quarterlies,  and  For  the  Little  Ones.  The 
Missionary  Visitor  is  edited  by  the  secretary  of  the 
Missionary  Society.  The  circulation  of  these  pa- 
pers is  not  confined  to  our  own  church,  but  their 
excellence  has  carried  them  far  beyond  its  limits. 
The  German  papers,  Der  Froeliche  Botschafter  and 
Jugend  Pilger,  edited  for  many  years  by  Rev.  AV. 
Mittendorf,  though  they  have  a  more  restricted 
circulation,  reach  the  homes  and  schools  of  the 
German  portion  of  the  church. 

The  establishment  is  controlled  by  a  Board  of 
Trustees,  elected  every  four  years  by  the  general 
conference.  Under  this  board  is  the  publishing 
agent,  chosen  also  by  the  general  conference.  These 
are  the  business  managers  of  the  house,  fixing  sala- 
ries of  its  general  ofiicers,  controlling  its  property, 
and  planning  for  the  extension  of  the  work.     The 


DEPARTMENTS    OF    CHURCH- WORK.  41 

agent  has  immediate  charge  of  all  the  business, 
appoints  and  pays  all  subordinates,  manages  all 
its  commercial  enterprises,  and  is  responsible  for 
all  its  work.  Besides  these  business  officers  are  the 
editor  of  the  Religious  Telescope  and  his  assistant, 
the  editor  of  the  Sunday-school  literature  and  his^ 
assistant,  and  the  editor  of  the  German  papers, 
who  direct  the  various  periodicals  with  which  they 
are  connected. 

The  Discipline  provides  that  the  profits  vtf  the 
establiijhment,  beyond  what  are  necessary  as  a  re- 
serve, shall  be  distributed  among  the  conferences, 
according  to  the  number  of  itinerants,  for  the  bene- 
fit of  worn-out  preachers  and  their  families.  Such 
a  distribution  has  been  made  in  recent  years  from 
the  funds  accumulated  through  the  excellent  man- 
agement of  the  resources  of  the  establishment. 

IV.      EDUCATIONAL   WORK. 

Tlie  energy  of  the  church  was  so  fully  occupied, 
during  its  early  history,  with  the  work  of  evangel- 
ization that  but  little  thought  was  given  to  educa- 
tional questions.  The  members  were  largely 
Germans  to  whom  an  educated  ministry  was 
synonymous  with  formality  and  skepticism.  The 
members  generally  were  intelligent  people  and 
believers  in  the  public  schools,  and  many  of  the 
ministers  were  well  educated.  Bishop  Otterbein 
was  one  of  the  most  learned  men  of  his  time.  But 
none  of  these  thought  of  education  as  a  part  of 
the  churcii's  work. 


42  DEPARTMENTS    OF    CHURCH-WORK. 

Finally,  in  1845,  the  general  conference  recom- 
mended to  the  conferences  a  consideration  of  the 
question  of  the  establishment  of  a  church-college. 
In  accord  with  the  custom  of  the  time,  each  con- 
ference began  to  agitate  the  question  of  an  insti- 
tution for  itself,  instead  of  one  central  university 
for  the  church.  The  Scioto  Conference  was  the 
first  to  turn  its  discussions  into  action.  In  1846,  it 
purchased,  for  about  $1,300,  "Blendon  Young  Men's 
Seminary,"  at  Westerville,  Ohio.  This  was  soon 
after  incorporated  as  "Otterbein  University  of 
Ohio,"  and  w^as  opened  for  students  in  1847,  —  the 
first  church  institution  of  learning.  Other  confer- 
ences soon  joined  the  Scioto  in  the  project  and 
united  almost  all  of  Ohio.  President  Lewis  Davis, 
D.  D.,  so  long  connected  with  Otterbein  Uni- 
versity, and  later  with  Union  Biblical  Seminary, 
was  foremost  among  the  men  to  whom  belongs 
the  honor  of  pressing  forward  the  educational 
work  of  the  church  in  this  period  of  decided 
and  continued  opposition. 

This  was  the  beginning  of  what  may  be  termed 
the  formative  period  of  our  educational  history, 
which  has  been  marked  by  the  organization  of 
very  many  institutions, — some  of  them  successful, 
others  partially  or  wholly  failing. 

Mt.  Pleasant  Institute,  of  Pennsylvania,  was 
founded  by  the  Alleghany  Conference  in  the  same 
year  as  Otterbein  University,  and  after  an  exist- 
ence of  over  ten  years  was  united  with  it.  Four 
jears  after  the  opening  of  these  first  institutions, 


DEPARTMENTS    OF    CHURCH- WORK.  43 

Hartsville  College  was  founded  by  the  conferences 
of  southern  Indiana.  Later,  in  1856,  Western 
College,  now  at  Toledo,  Iowa,  was  begun  at  West- 
ern, Iowa,  for  the  church  west  of  the  Mississippi. 
A  number  of  years  afterward,  Lebanon  Valley 
College  was  established  in  the  East,  and  AVestfield 
College,  in  Illinois.  After  tliese  institutions,  others 
were  founded  in  various  parts  of  the  church,  as 
occasion  seemed  to  demand.  Many  of  these  are 
academies,  and  serve  as  preparatory  to  the  higher 
work  of  the  colleges. 

These  colleges  and  academies  have  alPdone  good 
work,  and  most  of  them  are  growing  slowly  in 
attendance  and  resources.  Xc^ne  of  them  has  been 
able,  however,  from  lack  of  extended  support,  to 
attain  the  university  rank  so  much  desired. 

Uxiox  Biblical  Seminary,  the  theological 
school  of  the  denomination,  is  the  result  of  an 
imperative  demand  on  the  part  of  the  entire 
church.  As  the  colleges  grew  in  influence,  and  be- 
came centers  of  religious  power  instead  of  pro- 
moters of  formality  and  skepticism,  as  had  been 
predicted  in  early  times,  the  need  of  an  institution 
for  the  special  preparation  of  the  ministry  was 
demonstrated.  After  full  deliberation,  Union  Bib- 
lical Seminary  was  established  at  Dayton,  Ohio,  by 
order  of  the  general  conference  of  1869.  Dr. 
L.  Davis  was  called  from  Otterbein  University  to  be 
its  senior  professor,  Kevs.  G.  A.  Fuukhouser,  D.  D., 
and  J.  P.  Landis,  D.  D.,  being  chosen  as  associates. 
For  a  number  of  years  the  Summit  Street  United 


44  DEPARTMENTS    OF    CHURCH-"\VORK. 

Brethren  Church  was  used  for  the  work  of  the 
school,  but  in  1879  a  building  was  erected  in 
West  Dayton.  The  seminary  has  proved  itself,  in 
these  few  years,  a  most  valuable  influence  in  our 
church-history.  It  is  in  pressing  need,  however, 
of  more  money,  and  the  church  should  feel  more 
fully  its  importance  as  a  factor  in  its  life. 

The  Board  of  Education,  of  twelve  members, 
is  elected  by  each  general  conference.  The  objects 
of  this  board  are  to  awaken  the  church  to  a  fuller 
appreciation  of  the  value  of  an  educated  member- 
ship and  ministry  ;  to  collect  funds  for  the  assist- 
ance of  young  persons  who  are  preparing  for  the 
ministry  ;  to  recommend  to  the  colleges  and  acad- 
emies such  measures  as  will  make  them  more 
efficient ;  to  collect  statistics  of  the  institutions  of 
the  church  and  report  them  to  the  general  confer- 
ence. 

In  accordance  w'ith  these  provisions,  the  board 
has  suggested  that  the  church  join  in  the  observ- 
ance of  the  "  Day  of  Prayer  for  Colleges" — the  last 
Thursday  of  January  ;  that  on  the  following  Sab- 
bath collections  be  taken  in  all  the  congre^'ations 
for  the  "  Beneficiary  Fund."  This  fund  is  loaned 
to  young  men,  without  interest,  to  assist  them  in 
their  preparation  for  the  work  of  the  ministry. 

The  board  meets  annually  at  the  Seminary  at 
Dayton,  during  the  first  week  of  May.  It  has  had 
a  good  influence  in  bringing  together  many  of 
those  most  interested  in  education,  and  in  suggest- 
ing plans  for  growth. 


'ODClasio 


A  study  of  the  faith,  polity,  and  work  of  our 
church,  even  brief  as  the  foregoing,  may  be  found 
very  suggestive.  It  has  been  seen  that  in  belief 
the  church  teaches  a  pure  faith  in  salvation 
through  the  atonement  of  Clirist;  that  in  govern- 
ment it  is  as  liberal  as  is  consistent  with  effi- 
ciency ;  that  in  worship  its  forms  are  simple  and 
unadorned  ;  that  in  life  it  enjoins  the  highest  god- 
liness. The  history  shows  that  the  church  has 
grown  slowly  but  steadily,  through  the  devotion 
of  earnest  workers,  many  of  whom  have  sacrificed 
much  for  its  life;  that  little  by  little  its  field  has 
been  widened,  first  in  the  extension  of  its  terri- 
tory, afterwards  in  the  development  of  its  depart- 
ments of  effort ;  that  these  departments,  while 
they  have  grown  in  extent  and  influence,  have 
been  retarded  by  the  lack  of  adequate  moral  and 
financial  support. 

This  same  study  presents,  also,  some  of  the 
existing  needs.  If  the  purpose  of  the  church  is 
to  be  fulfilled,  earnest  labor  for  its  extension,  de- 
votion to  the  work  of  Christ,  and  purity  of  life 
and  thought,  are  required.  Its  beliefs  and  pol- 
ity settled,  the  development  of  its  various  de- 
partments of  work  must  be  pushed  forward  with 
45 


46  CONCLUSION. 

energy.  Our  missionary  and  educational  inter- 
ests—  the  parts  most  dependent  upon  the  benev- 
olence of  the  members  —  need  more  earnest  and 
enthusiastic  support.  Each  member  must  realize 
that  he  is  responsible  for  a  portion  of  the  work  of 
the  church  in  the  spreading  of  the  Gospel,  both 
for  the  salvation  of  the  heathen  in  distant  lands 
and  for  the  extension  of  the  church  in  our  own 
land.  Parents  must  feel  the  importance  of 
thorough  education,  in  our  own  schools,  for 
their  children,  if  the  church  is  to  have  such  a 
membership  as  may  be  able  to  present  its  claims 
in  an  educated  world.  Young  people  must  grow 
to  a  deeper  desire  for  the  knowledge  which  our 
schools  and  colleges  can  supply.  In  our  church- 
publications  are  the  elements  of  intelligence,  union, 
and  strength  ;  hence,  these  should  receive  constant 
support,  both  in  the  purchase  of  books  and  period- 
icals and  in  the  enlargement  of  the  circle  of  pa- 
trons. Old  and  young  should  feel  that  these  are 
church-interests,  designed  to  promote  the  growth 
and  to  assist  the  work  of  its  members,  upon  whom 
is  the  responsibility  of  success. 

Our  church  has  won  for  itself  a  worthy  place 
among  Christian  denominations.  It  has  done 
much  for  the  salvation  of  men.  But  its  influence 
will  be  widened  only  as  its  members  are  devoted 
to  its  work  and  its  interests.  To  secure  the  great- 
est results  in  earnest  Christian  labor,  a  broad  and 
enthusiastic  church-spirit  must  be  cultivated. 


HISSOI^IGM  SAfilifiS, 


General  Officers. 

BISHOPS. 

1800—1813,  William  Otterbein  (died,  1813)  and  Martin  Boehm 
(died,  1812). 

1813— 1814,  Christian  Newcomer. 

1814—1815,  Christian  Newcomer. 

1815—1817,  Christian  Newcomer  and  Andrew  Zeller. 

1817—1821,  Christian  Newcomer  and  Andrew  Zeller. 

1821—1825,  Christian  Newcomer  and  Joseph  Hoffman. 

1825 — 1829,  Christian  Newcomer  and  Henry  Kumler,  sen. 

1829-1833,  Christian  Newcomer  (died   in  1830),   and  Henry 
Kumler,  sen. 

1833—1837,  Henry  Kumler,  sen.,  Samuel  Heistand,  and  Wil- 
liam Brown. 

1837—1841,   Henry   Kumler,   sen.,   Samuel   Heistand  (died, 
1838),  and  Jacob  Erb. 

1841—1845,  Henry  Kumler,  sen.,  Jacob  Erb,  Henry  Kumler, 
jun.,  and  John  Coons. 

1845—1849,  John  Russel,  J.   J.  Glossbrenner,  and  William 
Hanby. 

1849—1853,  J.  J.  Glossbrenner,  Jacob  Erb,  and  David  Ed- 
wards. 

1853—1857,  J.  J.  Glossbrenner,  David  Edwards,  and  Lewis 
Davis. 

1857— 18G1,  J.  J.  Glossbrenner,  David  Edwards.  Lewis  Davis, 
D.  D.,  and  John  Russel. 

18G1— 1865,  J.  J.  Glossbrenner,  David  Edwards,  Jacob  Mark- 
wood,  Daniel  Shuck,  and  Henry  Kumler,  jun. 

18G5— 1869,  J.  J.  Glossbrenner,  David  Edwards,  Jacob  Mark- 
wood,  Jonathan  Weaver,  and  Daniel  Shuck, 
47 


48  HISTORICAL   TABLES. 

1869—1873,  J.  J.  Glossbrenner,  David  Edwards,  I).  D.,  Jon- 
athan Weaver,  and  John  Dickson. 

1873—1877,  J.  J.  Glossbrenner,  David  Edwards,  D.  D.,  (died, 
1876),  Jonathan  Weaver,  D.  D.,  and  John  Dickson. 

1877—1881,  J.  J.  Glossbrenner,  Jonathan  Weaver,  D.  D.,  John 
Dickson,  D.  D.,  Milton  Wright,  D.  D.,  and  Nicholas  Castle. 

1881-1885,  J.  J.  Glossbrenner,  D.  D.,  Jonathan  Weaver,  D.  D., 
John  Dickson,  D.  D.,  E.  B.  Kephart,  D.  D.,  and  Nicholas  Castle. 

AGENTS  OF  THE  PRINTING  ESTABLISHMENT. 

Three  Trustees  —  John  Russel,    John    Dresbach, 

George  Dresbach 1834  to  1839. 

Rev.  Wm.  Hanby,  Agent  and  Editor 1839  to  1845. 

Rev.  J.  Markwood  (elected,  but  did  not  serve) 1845 

Hev.  N.  Altman 1845  to  1852. 

Rev.  Wm.  Hanby 1852  to  1853. 

Rev.  S.  Vonneida 1853  to  186L 

Assistants:  Rev.  H.  Kumler,  jun 1854 

T.  N.  Sowers 1854  to  1861. 

T.  N.  Sowers  and  J.  B.  King 1861  to  1804. 

T.  N.  Sowers  and  Rev.  W.  J.  Sliuey 1864  to  1865. 

Rev.  W.  J.  Shuey  and  T.  N.  Sowers 1865 

Rev.  W.  J.  Shuey  and  Rev.  Wm.  MoKee 1865  to  1866. 

Rev.  W.  J.  Shuey 1866 


EDITORS  OF  THE  "RELIGIOUS  TELESCOPE." 

Rev.  Wm.  Rhinehart 1834  to  1839. 

Rev.  Wm.  Hanby 1839  to  1845. 

Rev.  D.  Edwards 1845  to  1849. 

Rev.  Wm.  Hanby 1849  to  1852. 

Assistant :  Rev.  John  Lawrence 1850  to  1852. 

Rev.  John  Lawrence 1852  to  1864. 

Rev.  D.  Berger 1864  to  1869. 

Rev.  M.  Wright 1869  to  1877. 

Assistant:  Rev.  W.  O.  Tobey,  A.  M 1873  to  1877. 

Bev.  J.  W.  Hott,  D.  D 1877 

Assistants:  Rev.  W.  O.  Tobey,  A.  M 1877  to  1881. 

Rev.  M.  R.  Drury,  A.  M 1881 


HISTORICAL   TABLES  49 

EDITORS  OF  SABBATH-SCHOOL  PERIODICALS. 

Rev.  D.  Edwards 1854  to  1857. 

Rev.  S.  Vonneida 1857  to  1869. 

Rev.  D.  Berger,  D.  D 1869 

EDITORS  OF  GERMAN  PAPERS. 

Rev.  Jacob  Erb 1841  to  1842. 

Rev.  N.  Altman 1846  to  1847. 

Rev.  D.  Strickler 1847  to  1851. 

Rev.  Henry  Staub 1851  to  1858. 

Rev.  S.  Vonneida 1859  to  1866. 

Rev.  Ezekiel  Light 1866  to  1869. 

Rev.  William  Mittendorf. 1869 

EDITOR  OF  "WOMAN'S  EVANGEL." 
Mrs.  L.  R.  Keister,  M.  A 1881 

SECRETARIES  OF  THE  BOARD  OF  MISSIONS. 

Rev.  J.  C.  Bright 1853  to  1857. 

Rev.  D.  K.  Flickinger,  D.  D 1857 

(Rev.  J.  C.  Bright  acted  as  Secretary  for  a 
number  of  months  during  1857  and  1858,  but 
was  compelled  by  declining  health  to  leave 
the  work.) 

TREASURERS  OF  THE  BOARD  OF  MISSIONS. 

Rev.  John  Kemp 1853  to  1869. 

Rev.  William  McKee 1869  to  1873. 

Rev.  J.  W.  Hott 1873  to  1877. 

Rev.  J.  K.  BiUheimer 1877 


60  HISTORICAL   TABLES. 

Educational  Institutions. 


Otterbein  University  —  'WesteryiWe,  Ohio.    Founded,  1847. 

Hartsviile  College  —  Hartsville,  Indiana.    Founded,  1852. 

Western  Co^iegre  — Toledo,  Iowa.    Founded,  1855. 

Lane  L''nii;ersiY?/  —  Lecompton,  Kansas.     Founded,  1865. 

Philomath  College  —  Philomath,  Oregon.     Founded,  1865. 

TFes^/ieZdCoZ^e—Westfield,  Illinois.    Founded,  1865. 

Lebanon  Valley  College  — kxmviWe,  Pennsylvania.  Founded, 
1867. 

Roanoke  Academy  — 'Roiiwo\s.e,  Indiana.    Founded,  1867. 

Avnlon  College  —  Av^Xon,  Missouri.  Founded,  as  Academyy 
1869;  as  College,  1881. 

Green  Hill  Seminary  —  Green  Hill,  Indiana.    Founded,  1869. 

Union  Biblical  Seminary — Theological— D&yion,  Ohio.  Found- 
ed, 1871. 

Edwards  Academy  —  White  Pine,  Tennessee.     Founded,  1877. 

Shenandoah  Institute  — Dayton,  Virgmin.    Founded,  1877. 

San  Joaquin  Valley  College  —  Woodbridge,  California.  Found- 
ed, 1878. 

Fostoria  Academy—  Fostoria,  Ohio.    Founded,  1879. 

Washinoton  Seminary  —  Huntsville,  Washington  Territory. 
Founded,  1880. 

Gould  College  —  Rarlan,  Kansas.     Founded,  1881. 

Dover  .4cadewj?/  — Dover,  Illinois.     Founded,  1882. 

West  Virginia  -4cadew?/ —  Buckhannon,  W.  Va.  Founded, 
1882. 

Erie  Conference  Seminary  —  Sugar  Grove,  Warren  County,  Pa. 
Founded,  1884. 

Desired  information  may  be  obtained  from  the  Presidents  and 
Principals  of  these  institutions. 


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52 


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66 


THE     LIRE     OF" 

l^eV.  f  l2ilip  Willian2  Otterbei^, 

FOUNDER    OF    THE    CUVUCH    OF    TITE 

United  (Brethre7i  in  Christ. 

BY 

REV.  A.  W.  DRURY,  A.  M.. 

Professor  of  Church-History  In  Uuion  Biblical  Seminary 

With  an  introduction  by 
BISHOP  J.  WEAVER,  D.  D. 

The  United  Bretliren  Church  has  waited  long  for  this  book. 
This  valuable  account  of  the  life  of  the  great  Otterbein,  the 
founder  of  our  church,  should  be  read  by  every  member  of 
the  denomination.  The  author  has  discovered  many  facts  of 
great  historic  interest  never  before  presented  to  the  public,  and 
has  produced  a  biography  which  has  elicited  the  highest  com- 
mendation. 

"It  is  saying  much,  but  it  is  the  truth,  that  you  have  done 
justice  to  the  subject  of  your  book.  No  one  will  come  atter 
you  with  a  Life  of  Otterl)ein.  I  think  you  have  found  all  the 
material  extant,  and  have  put  it  in  excellent  shape.  It  is  a 
live  book,  and  the  editions  should  succeed  each  other  rapidly. 
The  publishers,  too,  have  done  their  work  handsomely." — 
John  Lawrence,  author  of  U.  B.  Church  History. 

"  This  is  a  very  valuable  work.  Prof.  Drury  has  studied  bis- 
subject  with  extraordinary  care,  and  has  pro'duced  a  volume 
which  is  not  onlv  creditable  to  its  author,  but  to  the  religious 
denomination  which  he  represents." — Rev.  J.H.  Dubbs,  D.  D., 
in  The  Guardian. 

"The  man  of  whose  life  this  book  is  a  record,  has  been 
largely  intiuential  in  the  religious  history  of  modern  times."" 
—  Western  ChrUlian  Advocate,  Cincinnati. 

The  book  contains  384  pages,  with  Steel  Plate  Portraits  of 
Otterbein  and  Martin  Boehm,  and  fine  illustrations  of  Otter- 
bein's  Church  in  Baltimore,  present  parsonage  in  Baltimore, 
Diilenburg  in  the  eighteenth  century,  and  Isaac  Long's  house^ 
and  barn,  and  many  other  pleasing  attractions.  No  more 
acceptable  present  could  be  made  to  your  minister  or  friends. 
The  book  is  printed  on  fine  toned  paper,  elegantly  bound  in 
cloth  and  gold,  and  makes  an  admirable  volume.  Price,  only 
S1.20,  post-paid.        Address, 

Rev.  W.  J.  SIIUEY,  Dayton,  Ohio. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  CHURCH 

OF   THE 

UNITED  BRETHREN  IN  CHRIST. 

BY 

JOHN  LAWRENCE. 


For  all  who  desire  an  extended  account  of  the  United 
Brethren  Church,  this  volume  will  be  most  appropriate.  It 
embraces  the  history  of  the  Church  from  its  origin  to  1861 
The  information  given  is  full,  and  tlie  style  entertaining 
While  a  number  of  books  of  more  recent  date  may  give  more 
complete  and  reliable  information  concerning  particular  men 
periods,  and  departments  of  the  Church,  this  work  must  re 
main,  for  some  time  to  come,  the  standard  general  history  of 
the  denomination.  It  is  printed  from  large  and  clear  type, 
two  volumes  in  one,  of  847  pages,  and  is  substantially  bound 
in  sheep.    8vo.    Price,  $2.50.    Address, 

Rev.  W.  J.  SHUEY, 

Dayton,  Ohio. 

LIKE   OF 

flEv.  David  E)dwards,  D.  D,, 

Formerly  a  Bishop  of  the  Church  of  the 

UNIXKD  BRETHREN    IN  CHRIST. 

BY 

Rev.   Lewis  Davis,  D.  D., 
With  an  Introduction  by  Rev.  J.  W.  Hott,  D.  D. 


A  faithful  history  of  a  long  and  useful  life.  Every  family  in 
the  United  Brethren  Church  should  have  a  copy.  322  pages, 
12mo.,  cloth,  with  steel  likeness  of  Bishop  Edwards.  Price, 
only  $1.00,  post-paid  to  any  address.    Send  orders  to 

Rev.  W.  J.  Shuey, 

Dayton,  Ohio. 
58 


Books  on  Mission-Work. 


The  Church's  Marching  Orders;  or,  Sug- 
gestive Thoughts  on  the  Missionary  Work. 
By  Rev.  D.  K.  Flickinger,  D.  D.  132  pages. 
12ino,  cloth 60 

Ethiopia  ;  or,  Twenty  Years  of  Missionary 
Life  in  Western  Africa.  By  Rev.  D.  K. 
Flickinger,  D.  D.     12mo.,  cloth 1  00 

History  of  Sherbro  Mission,  West  Africa. 
Under  the  direction  of  the  Missionary  So- 
ciety of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ.  By 
Rev.  W.  McKe^.    16mo.,  cloth 75 


Itinerant  System  as  a  Means  of  Gospel 
Evanqelizatio'n,  The.  By  Rev.  J.  V. 
Potts.    92  pages,  ISnmo.,  cloth 35 

Ministerial  Salary'.  An  exhaustive  discus- 
sion on  the  subject  of  Ministerial  Support. 
A  much-needed  work  antong  our  people. 
By  Bishop  J.  Weaver,  D.  D.    16nio.,  cloth...      30 

Discipline  of  the  Church  of  the  United 
Brethrjen  in  Christ.  This  is  the  official 
Book  of  Discipline  of  the  Church.  In  addi- 
tion to  a  brief  account  of  the  origin  of  the 
denomination,  it  contains  its  Confession  of 
Faith,  its  Constitution,  its  Formulas,  and 
its  Rules  of  Government.  An  intimate  ac- 
quaintance with  its  provisions  is  important 
both  for  preachers  and  people.     English, 

24mo.,  cloth 30 

German,  24 mo.,  cloth , 30 

Address, 

Rev.  W.  J.  SHUEY, 

Dayton,  Ohio. 

59 


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Christian  Songster.    Plain  Sheep 45 


Miscellaneous  Books. 

AGE  WE  LIVE  IN,  The.  Its  Dangers  and  Duties.  With 
a  Topical  and  Chronological  Analysis  of  the  Book  of 
Revelation.  In  three  parts:  Parti.— The  Vials.  Part 
II.— The  Age  of  Errors.    Part  III.— Danger  and  Duty 

of  the  Church.     By  Jacob  Hoke U  20 

C2 


AN  APPEAL  TO  MATTER  OF  FACT  AND  COMMON 
Sense;  or,  A  Rational  Demonstration  of  Man's  Cor- 
rupt and  Lost  Estate.  By  J.  Fletcher.  New  and 
revised  edition,  with  an  Introduction  by  Bishop  D. 
Edwards,  D.  D SO 

AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  LYDIA  SEXTON.  Go5 
pages.  Crown  8vo.,  cloth,  with  steel  portrait  of  the 
author 2  00 

CLUSTERS  FROM  ESHCOL;  or,  Words  of  Comfort  and 
Encouragement  drawn  from  the  Sacred  Scriptures  for 
the  Afflicted  Children  of  God.  By  Jacob  Hoke.  357 
pages,  12mo.,  cloth 1  00 

DISCOURSES  ON  THE  RESURRECTION.      By   Bishop 

Jonathan  Weaver,  D.  D 60 

DIVINE  PROVIDENCE.  History  of  the  Doctrine ;  Its 
Nature  and  Reasonableness;  Providence — Particular, 
General,  and  Universal;  Controlling  Good  and  Evil; 
Mysterious;  Consolation  Derived  from  a  Belief  in  the 
Doctrine  of  Divine  Providence;  Necessity,  Import- 
ance, and  Encouragement.s  to  submit  to  the  Providence 
of  God.  By  Bishop  Jonathan  Weaver,  D.  D.  323  pages, 
12mo.,  cloth 1  25 

DOCTRINE  OF  UNIVERSAL  RESTORATION  CARE- 
fully  Examined,  The.  By  Bishop  J.  Weaver,  D.  D. 
With  steel  portrait  of  the  author.  402  pages,  12mo., 
cloth 1  25 

HOLINESS;  or,  The  Higher  Christian  Life.  By  Jacob 
Hoke.  Revised  and  enlarged  edition.  305  pages, 
12mo.,  cloth 75 

LECTURES  TO  YOUNG  MEN  ON  THE  FORMATION 
of  Character,  etc.  Originally  addressed  to  the  Young 
Men  of  Hartford  and  New  Haven,  and  published  at 
their  urgent  request.  By  Rev.  Joel  Hawes,  D.  D.  With 
an  Introduction  by  John  McCoy 35 

LIGHT  ON  FREEMASONRY.  Revised  edition.  With 
an  Appendix  Revealing  the  Mysteries  of  Odd  Fellow- 
ship, including  Encampment  Degrees.     By  a  member 

of  the  Craft,    limo.,  cloth , 1  50 

63 


XIGHT  ON   FREEMASONRY.     Without  the  Appendix, 

paper  cover 75 

MANUAL  OF  RULES  OF  ORDER  FOR  CONDUCTING 
Business  in  Deliberative  Assemblies.  By  John  Law- 
rence    30 

POEMS  OF  EDWARD  BREENE  GRIMES.      103  pages, 

12mo.,  cloth 75 

POWER  OF  THE  INVISIBLE,  The,  and  other  Lectures 
and  Addresses,  chiefly  Educational  and  Baccalaure- 
ate. By  Rev.  H.  A.  Thompson,  D.  D.  400  pages, 
large  12mo 1  35 

PREACHER  AND  HIS  SERMON,  The.  A  Treatise  on 
Homiletics.  By  Rev.  John  W.  Etter,  D.  D.  581  pages, 
8vo.,  cloth 2  25 

BOMISH  CHURCH,  The.  Its  Results  in  Europe,  and  its 
Designs  upon  the  Institutions  of  America.  By  Rev. 
J.  B.  Helwig,  Ex-President  of  Wittenberg  College. 
With  an  Introduction  by  Hon.  Wm.  Lawrence,  of 
Ohio.    364  pages,  r2mo.,  cloth 1  00 

SCHOOLS  OF  THE  PROPHETS,  The.  A  Plea  for 
Theological  Training.  By  Rev.  H.  A.  Thompson, 
D.  D , ; 30 

SENECA  AND  KANT;  or.  An  Exposition  of  the  Stoic 
and  Rationalistic  Ethics,  with  a  Comparison  and 
Criticism  of  the  two  Systems.  By  Rev.  W.  T.  Jack- 
son, Ph.D.. 1  00 

TOBACCO  QUESTION,  The.  Three  Essays.  I.  The 
Evils  of  the  Use  of  Tobacco  by  Christians.  By  Rev. 
I.  L.  Kephart,  A.  M.  11.  The  Tobacco  Habit:  its 
Nature  and  Guilt.  By  Rev.  M.  R,  Drury,  A.  M.  III. 
If  Rum,  Then  Tobacco.  By  Rev.  M.  H.  Ambrose, 
A.  M.     With  an  Introduction  by  Prof.  J.  P.  Landis, 

D.  D 60 

J8S^The  First  Essay  published  separately,  in  paper 
cover 25 

TJNIVERSALISM  CALMLY  AND  SERIOUSLY  CONSID- 

ered 30 

YOUTH'S  SCRIPTURE  COMPEND.  Text-book  for  Sab- 
bath-schools       08 

64 


3ooks  for  the  Sabbath-School  Library 
and  Home  Reading. 

THE    PJOXEEtt    LIBRABT. 

1.  Little  Gate.  6.     Is  the  Bible  True? 

2.  Safe  Home.  7.    Counsels  to  Young  Men. 
:i.    Little  Marv.                            8.    City  Cousins. 

4.  IM en  of  Worth.  9.    Guiding  Stiir. 

5,  May  Earnest.  10.    Introduction  to  Bible  Study. 

These  books  are  of  permanent  value,  adapted  to  all  ages 
(.f  voiali,  and  tastefully  bound  in  clotli.  Price  per 
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BRICKEY  SORREL;  or,  The  Twin  Cousins.  By  Mrs. 
IsadoreS.  Bash.  2o4:  pages.  Tiie  V)Ook  narrates  tiie 
upward  progressof  its  )<  adingcharacter,  from  poverty 
and  obscurity  to  a  niot^t  honorable  place  as  a  minister 
of  the  gospel.  The  real  object  of  the  volume  is  to 
present  in  strong  pictures  the  desolating  power  of 
nitemperance.  This  feature  is  wrouglit  out  in  the 
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BIY  FIVE  WARDS;  or.  Aunt  Huldah's  Homilies.  236 
pages.  By  Mrs.  Julia  :McNair  Wright.  This  volume 
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approachin;!^  young  ladyhood.  The  sage  counsels  of 
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tion, strung— as  the  author  ay>tly  expresses  it — on  the 
merest  thread  of  story.  Common  sense  of  rare  sound- 
ness and  a  deep  reverence  lor  Bible  authority,  char- 
acterize the  book 75 

THE  GOSPEL  IN  THE  RIVIERA.  A  Story  of  Italy. 
By  Mrs.  Julia  McNair  Wright.  224  pp.  The  popular 
author  of  this  book  has  given  ns  in  its  pages  one  of 
the  choicest  productions  of  her  fruitful  pt  n.  The 
book  details  the  struggles  and  sufferings  of  the  Wal- 
densian  Protestants  in  their  conflicts  with  Romanism. 
The  facts  on  which  it  is  founded  were  gathered  by  the 
author  during  lier  residence  in  Italy,  and  are  presented 
with  a  vividness  possible  only  to  one  who  has  been  on 
the  ground  where  the  scenes  are  laid 75 

THE  VINES  OF  ESHCOL.  By  Rev.  J.  B.  Robinson.  i:i3 
pages.  The  book  is  full  of  valuable  thoagiit  for 
workers  in  Christ's  vineyanl.  The  author,  a  presi- 
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habits,  and  a  close  thinker.  In  style,  the  book  com- 
bines in  hapny  proportions,  beauty  of  ornament,  and 
sterling  solidity.  Will  be  most  valuable  for  young  or 
older  readers 50 

65 


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POPULAR  SUNDAY-SCHOOL  MUSIC  BOOKS. 


The  attention  of  all  Snndar-sch-ol  workprs  Is  called  to  the  following 
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HOLT    VOICES. 

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Baltzcll.  Kr<'«h,  an'l  equal,  if  not  siipiri  >r,  t»  aiiythin?  yet  produced  for 
Sunday-schools.     192  partes,  board  covir. 

SONGS  OF  THE  KINGDOM. 

A  choice  selection  of  Sundav-school  Gf-ms  from  Gates  of  Praise,  TTcavenly 
Carols,  Godii  Son«fs,SinA  yonifs  of  the  Cross,  bv  R-vs.  1.  Haltzcll  and  K.  .s. 
I.orciiz,  with  complete  Course  of  Instruction  in  Musical  Notation.  208  pages, 
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GATES  OP  PRAISE. 

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HEAVENLY    CAROLS. 

By  Revs.  I.  Baltzcll  and  E.  S.  Lorenz,  assi.sted  by  Prof.  J.  H.  Kurzcnknabe 
and  Rev.  A.  A.  Graley.  The  best  hymnal  and  musical  talent  in  the  land  has 
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Department.    176  pages,  board  cover. 

GMDLDEN  SONGS. 

By  Rev.  Isaiah  Baltzcll.  One  of  the  most  popular  Sunday-school  music 
books  ever  published.  lucludint;  an  Elnmei^tary  and  Practical  Department  on 
the  Theory  of  Jtusic,  by  Prof.  J.  H.  Kurzenknabe,  which  has  been  tried  and 
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By  Rev.  E.  S.  Lorenz.  Over  fifty  contributors  have  aided  in  making  Songs 
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music.     IGO  pages,  board  cover. 

PILGER    LIEDER. 

This  is  the  title  of  a  German  Hymn  and  Tune  Book  for  Sunday-schools. 
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post-paid ;  $3.00  per  dozen  by  express,  express  charges  unpaid. 

SONGS    OP    GRACE. 

Desired  for  revival  meetines,  camp-meotings,  prayer  and  praise-meet- 
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Siuclc  copv,  25  cent".  Per  hundred,  $20.60.  Per  dozen  by  express,  $2.50;  by 
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per  single  copy  by  mail :  f  l.iJO  per  dozen  by  mail,  post-paid  ;  $:i.t>0  per  dozen 
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X).A.-2-T03Sr,    OITIO- 
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July  -Rlackie  on  Self -Culture 10 

August  — The  Book  of  Books.     Freeman 10 

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j^  hand-ibook: 

of  the 

UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST. 

By  Prof.   E.   L.    Shuey,  A.   M., 
0/  Ottcrhcin  Univerbiti/. 

A  brief  compendium  of  the  history,  doctrine,  government,  and 
general  work  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

18mo.,  manilla  cover,  cut  flush 10  cents. 

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Address, 

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G8 


BX9878.5.S56 

A  hand  book  of  the  United  Brethren  in 


Princeton  Theological  Seminary-Speer  Library 


1    1012  00045  5313 


